Guide Note
Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan was put in charge of Pakistan's uranium enrichment program in 1976. In 1987, Khan confirmed that Pakistan was able to produce nuclear weapons. In 2003, he signed a confession stating that he provided designs and technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea to help with their nuclear weapons program.
Fast Facts
- Born: April 1, 1936
- Often referred to as A. Q. Khan
- Occupation: Scientist and metallurgical engineer
- 1960: Earned his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Karachi
- Regarded as the founder of the Pakistan's nuclear program
- Confessed to involvement in nuclear weapons technology proliferation from Pakistan to Libya, Iran and North Korea
- His nuclear network was broken up in 2004
- August 22, 2006: It was announced that Khan had prostate cancer
- Investigators found an electronic bomb design among the items seized from Khan's lieutenants
Bomb Blueprints
For two years investigators worked secretly and were able to track down digital blueprints of bombs in Switzerland, Dubai, Malaysia and Thailand. Since these blueprints are electronic, they can easily be reproduced. This revelation made investigators question what Khan was selling and who he was selling to.
Categories
